The facility holds a massive volume of water, with the main tank alone containing several million liters.
The aquarium was designed to emulate the Mekong River environment, which is home to some of the world's largest freshwater fish species.
It is integrated into the larger Chiang Mai Zoo, which covers over 200 acres of forested land.
The underwater tunnel system is divided into two sections, separating saltwater and freshwater habitats.
Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is located within the Chiang Mai Zoo complex at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain. It features one of the longest underwater tunnels in Southeast Asia, spanning approximately 133 meters. The facility houses a diverse collection of both marine and freshwater species, including specimens native to the Mekong River and various tropical ocean environments. The aquarium functions as a key educational component of the larger zoo, focusing on aquatic conservation and regional biodiversity. Visitors travel through the exhibit via a moving walkway that passes beneath large glass tanks containing sharks, rays, and giant groupers. The site incorporates themed zones representing different river ecosystems and coral reef structures.
The deepest point of the underwater tunnel where the walkway curve allows for a wide-angle shot of the sharks and rays swimming overhead.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid the peak heat and large crowds that gather during mid-day.
Combine your trip with a visit to the adjacent Chiang Mai Zoo to maximize your time in this area.
Bring a portable fan or cooling towel, as the outdoor walkways between the zoo entrance and the aquarium can be humid.
Do not attempt to walk from the city center; the hilly terrain and distance make it impractical. Avoid visiting during the height of the burning season (typically February-April) when air quality can be poor.
Avoid using flash photography inside the tunnel to prevent startling the fish and damaging their sensitive habitats. Maintain a quiet volume to respect the environment.
